When I first read this second line of Gurumayi’s Message, I wondered why Gurumayi chose “Observe!” in relation to “Uphold your dharma.”
Contemplating this, I then remembered seeing signs in public libraries: “Please observe silence.” I understood silence as a necessity in a library, as an action that benefited me as well as my fellow library-goers. Likewise, observing my dharma, my right action, is something I uphold not only for myself but also for the benefit of all.
Aracaju, Brazil
I savor reading the Message in the silver font. I enjoy feeling the cooling breeze on my mind.
Deggendorf, Germany
I looked up the etymology of the word observe and was surprised at what I found: ob-, as a prefix, means “toward,” “in front of,” or “over.” And servāre means “to watch,” “to keep safe,” “to guard,” or “to pay attention to.” From this, I realized that observation is an active, alert process. It requires great care and vigilance, like keeping an eye on a night fire or making sure a child remains safe.
So, if to observe means to practice paying loving, watchful attention, then doing this can reveal to me what action to take that best serves the needs of the moment. This also underscores to me that my dharma is not like an inanimate block of stone or a specific set course of action that must be followed. It is a very active, constantly unfolding, moment-to-moment practice.
California, United States
Observe has become such a key word for me. It inspires me to find out what it is I am to do in this world and then to take the steps to do that, without rushing or procrastinating. I am learning to stay close to God’s will, wait for clarity to come, and then move forward.
California, United States
As I contemplated this line of Gurumayi’s Message for 2026, a quiet feeling arose within me. I felt as though her words were inviting me to pause and look within, rather than trying to change the circumstances around me.
Often, when I sit for meditation, I repeat the mantra and try to “observe” the thoughts, emotions, and reactions that arise within me. Sometimes my mind is peaceful and sometimes it becomes restless. Yet I am learning not to suppress or fight with whatever arises, but simply to watch with awareness.
For me, to “observe” means keeping the light of awareness alive within myself. The remainder of this line, “Uphold your dharma,” reminds me that right action should not be abandoned according to circumstances but should be sustained with love and steadiness. It has now become a daily practice for me to “observe,” understand, and then choose the right action.
My heartfelt prayer is that Gurumayi’s grace will keep me steady in my dharma and give me the strength to bring greater awareness, love, and surrender into every action.
Ahmedabad, India
